RFID is an acronym standing for "Radio Frequency Identification." It is a system that is used for the catalogueing and tracking of large quantities of transitory objects. The shipping industry is a common user as well as life stock providers. The system is comprised of two basic components: an RFID "tag" which is a data chip and antenna; and an RFID "reader" which receives data transmitted from the chip. Data held on the tag's chip is minimal, consisting of serial numbers, names or other basic data.
Taking the livestock example: a "farmer" has 2,000 cows and his "family business" has trouble keeping track of them all at once what with taking his heard out to the "fields" to graze and on trips to the "local butcher." Rather than line them up single file and count on his fingers, the proprietor can apply an RFID tag to each of his bison. At whatever point of transgression he choses he can set up the RFID reader. As cows pass through this location (be it an entry way to a pasture or conveyor belt) the RFID tags will send out a radio signal. This signal is picked up by the reader which then translates the received data into a digital format which can be read by a computer system. Large manufacturing and shipping are the most prominent users of the technology. However, further development aims at reducing the size and cost of tags to make them more accessible to every day consumption, perhaps competing with the barcode for item tracking.
Overview
RFID is an acronym standing for "Radio Frequency Identification." It is a system that is used for the catalogueing and tracking of large quantities of transitory objects. The shipping industry is a common user as well as life stock providers. The system is comprised of two basic components: an RFID "tag" which is a data chip and antenna; and an RFID "reader" which receives data transmitted from the chip. Data held on the tag's chip is minimal, consisting of serial numbers, names or other basic data.
Taking the livestock example: a "farmer" has 2,000 cows and his "family business" has trouble keeping track of them all at once what with taking his heard out to the "fields" to graze and on trips to the "local butcher." Rather than line them up single file and count on his fingers, the proprietor can apply an RFID tag to each of his bison. At whatever point of transgression he choses he can set up the RFID reader. As cows pass through this location (be it an entry way to a pasture or conveyor belt) the RFID tags will send out a radio signal. This signal is picked up by the reader which then translates the received data into a digital format which can be read by a computer system. Large manufacturing and shipping are the most prominent users of the technology. However, further development aims at reducing the size and cost of tags to make them more accessible to every day consumption, perhaps competing with the barcode for item tracking.
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